HANOI, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's capital Hanoi is considering piloting public bike services in its inner districts as part of an effort to reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution, local media reported on Monday.
Under the plan, the public bicycle-sharing service will be carried out over a period of 12 months in six districts with 94 rental spots and 1,000 bicycles, local newspaper Vietnam News reported.
The cost for each 30-minute use is 5,000 Vietnamese dong (0.2 U.S. dollars) for a regular bicycle and 10,000 Vietnamese dong (0.4 U.S. dollars) for an electric one, according to the newspaper.
Based on the results and efficiency of the service and relevant stakeholders' opinions, Hanoi's Department of Transport would consider the implementation of the service as well as the collection of a sidewalk fee from the investor, the deputy director of the department said, as cited by the newspaper.
A public bicycle service would help replace private vehicles for short trips between residential areas, bus stations and metro stations, he said.
This service has been piloted in some localities including Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau and Hai Duong, and has been warmly welcomed by both locals and tourists, the newspaper said. ■